TATTERSALLS is always a good venue to observe the many connections between racing and other equestrian disciplines and last weekend was no exception.

Parked in the area reserved for those competing in the Irish Pony Society Kildare/North Leinster Area Summer Show was a two-horse van, painted in the livery of Newmarket-based dual-purpose trainer John Butler.

Family affair

Don’t worry, the driver hadn’t gone astray as John had sold the van to his brother, and fellow trainer, Michael, whose wife Mary was at the show with the couple’s daughter Zara. The five-year-old finished second in the show hunter lead rein class and third in the Mountain and Moorland lead rein class on Ballincollig Trial, who is better known at his Co Kilkenny home as Danny.